Business Computing BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Business Computing BSc (Hons) shares a common first year with other Computing pathways, with flexible progression into the second year. On Business Computing you will have the option to tailor your second and third years to specialise to suit your career aspirations and curiosities.

  After your second year, you have the opportunity to work on a placement year, learning in industry and creating contacts that will be valuable when you graduate, improving your chances of getting the first step in your future career.

  In the final year, you will study Security, Business Intelligence and Project Management at greater depth as you develop your strategic skills alongside the practical ones. You will have the option to choose to develop a practical build for your dissertation or research and evaluate emerging technologies. With the skills, knowledge and experience you have gained from the course, you will be well equipped to enter the workplace or continue with further study to best fulfil your personal ambitions and potential.

  Modules

  Modules for Business Computing BSc (Hons) can be found here.

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Digital Footprints (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is ?to understand and apply and the principles of data integrity and protection to take responsibility for managing and capitalising on your online presence. Digital footprint is a self-managed, online module that considers the data trail and shadow left by interactions in digital environments. The module develops a broad understanding of the impact of individual and organisational online presence in the context of digital marketing, data protection, ethical issues and good practice to optimise employability and prospects.
    • Computer Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1061

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides knowledge of the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and overview the important concepts in preparation for future study of computer science.
    • Web Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1063

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of client side web technologies. This module provides students with: the essential knowledge and practical skills to design, develop and implement a Web site to contemmporary web standard
    • Software Engineering Fundamentals (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1064

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop student's experience with the multiple stages of software engineering life-cycles from initial need and requirements identification through to the design and implementation of code in order to develop confidence in the use of terminology and techniques for each of the stages.
    • Databases Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1065

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to apply the principles of database integrity in the design and development of database structures. This is a practical module that applies data modelling techniques to establish, modify and maintain database integrity, structures and associated components such as entities, relationships and attribute definitions.
  • Stage 2
    • Quality and User-Centred Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2041

      Status: Compulsory
      Creating high quality information systems involves many different factors and all stages of the lifecycle. It relies on the establishment of standards, guidelines and techniques at each stage, and on a quality culture which embeds quality by design. Through this module you will build up a thorough understanding of the complexity of the user-technology relationship and how to ensure that the developed system fits the user needs and expectations.
    • Website Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2043

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to focus on website interface design and develop principles, practices and concepts of web development to the next level. Building functional and professionally consistent websites involves an understanding of not only the interface, but how users experience design (UXD), interact with design (XD), and work with clients. The development of current coding and scripting skills are developed to support aesthetic considerations.
    • Server Administration and Security (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2085

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with the skills to create a secure hosting environment and knowledge on how to deploy a website live on the web using modern concepts such as containerisation and a focus on security.
    • Group Project (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2088

      Status: Compulsory
      The module is designed to develop higher-order intellectual skills (problem-solving) and appropriate personal qualities including team working. Each group will develop and document effective, robust and high-quality computing systems to a professional standard in response to a supplied specification of requirements.
    • Web Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2089

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the conceps and technologies of web based server side technologies; teach students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with a focus on security, functionality and usability.
    • Object-Relational Databases (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2093

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the fundamental concepts and skills of Entity Relational Models (ERMs) and Structured Query Language (SQL). It introduces extended-relational databases; user-defined types, their practical creation, application along with valuable data extraction methods to provide intelligence and database programming (PL/SQL).
    • Systems Design and Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2094

      Status: Designate
      This purpose of this module is to extend and apply system design and development to large scale systems; explore building GUIs so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar; provide tools and skills which the student will require when encountering design projects.
  • Stage 3
    • Media Technology (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3010

      Status: Designate
      Media Technology is an important aspect to Computer Science. This Media Technology module is designed to introduce the technology relevant to multi-media systems. This includes computer graphics, text, audio and video. Media manipulation techniques are studied. Media compression techniques are also investigated. In addition the module provides an insight into colour spaces and their relevance. The module develops a framework from which the student can develop multimedia systems in a third generation computer language.
    • Cybersecurity and Cryptography (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3023

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to build upon concepts and skills introduced in the first and second year modules and address the issues of effective Cybersecurity. Recognizing the rapidly growing in importance of this area, the module aims to provide the student with the necessary practical skills and theoretical understanding of the technologies used to secure communications and protect the privacy of users within an online environment.
    • Databases 3 (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3024

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is: to study advanced database topics. It assumes that the students have studied the earlier database modules and have technical knowledge of the basic processing performed by a modern relational DBMS, together with practical skills in designing metadata and appropriate software modules from modern client/server database platform.
    • Business Intelligence (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3034

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is the link between business and IT, allowing student to use and evaluate technologies and infrastructures needed to synthesize valuable information providing businesses with a competitive edge. Data analysis, reporting, and query tools are used to develop insights for business decisions. Business Intelligence (BI) represents a category of applications and technologies for gathering, storing, visualising, analysing, and providing access to data to make informed business decisions.
    • IT Project Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3037

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is for students to absorb a considerable body of knowledge, which can then be reinforced by application of the theory. The module therefore employs a combination of theory and practice using real or simulated IT projects of diverse sizes. Content will be delivered by lecture and workshop sessions. Students? understanding of the theory will be tested by time-constrained assessment. Practical assignments will be based around a scenario (e.g. development of a database system requiring coordination of a diverse team comprising designers and programmers) and require students to work in groups, planning and controlling the project.
    • Computing Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: CSY4010

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of the project module is to: provide the opportunity for the student to undertake research and self-management of a Computing related problem that permits the integration of the main areas of study in the student?s chosen pathway specialism. The module also permits the development of higher order intellectual skills, a professional approach and appropriate personal qualities that are required for independent working in a research or development environment. It is considered important that the project should not merely be a direct application of existing knowledge but that it should also encompass, at least in part, the need to acquire and apply development techniques hitherto unknown to the student.

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• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer would be:

  • BCC at A-Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

  No prior computing experience is required.

  In addition to the standard UON entry requirements, applicants will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above. Access (with 12 credits at L2 or 6 at L3 in Maths) and BTEC qualification in Computing at Level 3 are accepted in lieu of Mathematics GCSE.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally:

  • DEE at A Level or,
  • MPP at BTEC or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level

  However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £15,200
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2024 entry.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2023 entry.

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time Business Computing degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  You will spend 12 hours per week in class.  Including self-directed study time you will spend 200 hours in total on each 20 credit module.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will be assessed on practice and theory through practical implementations, reports, essays, demonstrations and examinations. Most modules are designed to develop problem solving techniques and interpersonal skills and many provide the opportunity for group work.

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